There's just something magical about how Choice Provisions approaches rhythmic platforming, and the team's latest formula is better than ever. Runner3 is a perfect example of the genre done right, offering up another welcome serving of the signature style, content, humor, and polish that series fans have come to expect.

If anyone can introduce anything interesting into a runner genre, it’s Choice Provisions. Runner3 is one of very few such games that use their automaticity to their advantage instead of suffering from it. All levels are handcrafted, so there’s a true sense of progression and getting better by the hour, and the soundtrack is outstanding. [07/2018, p.51]

Runner3 isn’t reinventing itself on its third outing, but its frantic, split-second gameplay remains just as addictive to [eventually] get right, as it’s always been. While its transition to 3D-styled environments do little to exude the silliness it initially boasts, the smaller additions to its core gameplay as well as a few neat twists to the in-level perspective, prevent one’s play-time from feeling stagnant along the way.

Runner3 is a weird, funny game with lots of secrets. And some questionable new features and design choices.

My early impressions of Runner3 were that the original purity of gameplay had been sacrificed in the push for more sophisticated visuals and quirkiness. After a few deaths brought about by perspective transitions, I was starting to feel an unwelcome sense of disappointment. Fortunately, once I got used to these new additions and the classic flow of Runner’s gameplay loop got its hooks in me, this initial reticence was forgotten. At its best, Runner3 is the epitome of pure twitch gaming and, as such, is a fantastic addition to the series.

Runner 3, over time, reveals itself to be a veritable buffet of weird and whimsical environments, and thrilling, precision-based gameplay, but make no mistake: you will have to work for your meal.

The third installment of the Runner series continues the rhythmic legacy of its predecessors but lacks a bit in content. Runner 3 will be well received with the genre veterans but it will attract little to no new players.